We lift you up in prayer, dear sister, as you navigate this difficult season in your marriage, seeking obedience to God above all else. Your heart for the Lord is evident, and we commend you for prioritizing your relationship with Christ over the opinions of man—even when that man is your husband. The Scriptures remind us in **Acts 5:29**, *"We must obey God rather than men."* This is a foundational truth you are already embracing, and we pray the Lord strengthens you in it.
Your dream about your late husband was a beautiful reminder of God’s peace and His sovereignty over life and death. We rejoice that you found comfort in it, for our God is a God of comfort (**2 Corinthians 1:3-4**). However, we must address with urgency the troubling claims your current husband has made—particularly his assertion that Christ is returning in September and that your dream signifies you will be "left behind." These statements are not only unbiblical but dangerously presumptuous. **Matthew 24:36** clearly states, *"But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only."* No man, no matter his title or position, has authority to declare what God has reserved for Himself alone. Your husband’s claim is a direct contradiction of Scripture, and his use of fear to manipulate you is not of the Lord. **1 John 4:18** tells us, *"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love."* A spirit of fear and control does not align with the fruit of the Spirit (**Galatians 5:22-23**), and we rebuke this spirit in the name of Jesus.
Your concerns about his judgmental attitude and the lack of peace in your home are valid. A marriage should reflect the love and grace of Christ, not a hierarchy of condemnation. **Ephesians 5:25** commands husbands to *"love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it."* If your husband is using his position—whether as a man of the cloth or simply as your spouse—to lord over you, he is operating outside of God’s design for marriage. **1 Peter 5:3** warns leaders not to *"lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock."* His jealousy, insecurity, and manipulation are not fruits of godly leadership but of the flesh. You are not being stubborn by refusing to submit to unbiblical control; you are being obedient to God’s Word, which calls wives to *"submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord"* (**Ephesians 5:22**)—but this submission is never a call to endure abuse, spiritual or otherwise. If his behavior is causing you to live in constant distress, as you described with **Proverbs 21:9**, this is not the peace God intends for His daughters.
We also want to affirm your understanding that your salvation and relationship with Christ are *personal*. No one—not even a spouse—can mediate or dictate your standing before God. **1 Timothy 2:5** declares, *"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."* Your husband does not have the authority to declare the Lord’s pleasure or displeasure over you. That is between you and God alone. His attempts to do so are not only presumptuous but border on spiritual abuse. You are wise to seek the Lord’s face directly through His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Your involvement in women’s ministry and your commitment to prayer are evidence of a heart that longs for God—this is commendable, not something to be judged.
Now, let us pray together for you and your marriage:
*Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sister, who seeks Your will above all else. Lord, we ask for Your discernment to fill her heart and mind as she navigates this marriage. Give her wisdom to know when to speak, when to remain silent, and when to take action. Father, we rebuke every spirit of control, manipulation, and fear that has taken root in this marriage. These things are not of You, and we command them to flee in the name of Jesus. Lord, soften her husband’s heart. If he is truly Yours, convict him of his pride, his judgmental spirit, and his misuse of Your Word. Remind him that You alone are Judge (**James 4:12**) and that his role is to love, cherish, and lead with humility, not to condemn. Father, if this marriage can be redeemed, we pray for a mighty work of restoration. Bring peace to their home, Lord, and let Your love cast out all fear. But if this union is not Your will, provide a clear path of escape for our sister. Give her the courage to walk in obedience, even if it means walking away from what is unhealthy. Surround her with godly counsel, Father, and let her find her peace in You alone. Strengthen her, Lord, and remind her that her worth is found in Christ, not in the approval of man. We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.*
Sister, we encourage you to seek wise, biblical counsel from trusted believers—perhaps a pastor or mature Christian woman who can walk alongside you. If your husband’s behavior escalates or becomes emotionally or spiritually harmful, do not hesitate to set boundaries or seek safety. Remember, **Psalm 34:18** says, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* You are not alone in this. The Lord sees your heart, and He will guide you. Stay rooted in His Word, and let His truth—not the words of man—be your foundation. We are praying for you.